THE ORATORY PARISH CHURCH OF ST ALBAN ON THE MOORS A Parish of the Archdiocese of Cardiff (a Registered Charity 1177272) Website: www.cardifforatory.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/CardiffOratory Contact: [email protected] Parish Priest: Fr. Sebastian M Jones Hospital Chaplain (Fr Peter Davies) 029 2074 3230; St Alban's Oratory House: 029 2046 3219. ~ To participate in the daily Masses /Benediction / Stations of the Cross at St Alban's via our Live Streaming or to watch later go to:

LIVE STREAMING https://www.youtube.com/c/cardifforatory

Sat 28th 8am: Holy Souls 6pm: (Vigil) Sheila Donovan, Int. Sun 29th 10:00am: Lee Taylor, RIP Passion Sunday 11:15am: Holy Souls 5th Week of Lent 4pm Solemn Vespers & Benediction *5.00pm Mass: People of the Parish Mon 30th 7:30am: Holy Souls 9:00am Exposition & Benediction 9:30am: Pat Jennings, RIP Tues 31st 7:30am: Holy Souls 9:00am Exposition & Benediction 9:30am: Joji, Int., Wed 1st 7:30am: Holy Souls APRIL St Francis of Paola, hermit. 6:00pm Exposition & Benediction 7:00pm W & P. Walentin Thurs 2nd 7:30am: Holy Souls 9:00am Exposition & Benediction 9.30am: Paul O'Brien, RIP Fri 3rd 7:30: Holy Souls ABSTINENCE IS TO BE 9:00am Exposition & Benediction OBSERVED TODAY 9:30am Sheila Donovan (LoM) 7:00pm Stations of the Cross Sat 4th St Isadore 8am: Holy Souls 6pm: (Vigil) Thanksgiving to the Sacred Heart Sun 5th Palm Sunday 10:00am: Sheila Donovan, RIP 11:15am: Holy Souls 4pm Solemn Vespers & Benediction 5.00pm Mass: People of the Parish

Fr Sebastian write... We are all so accustomed to our free movement for the purposes of work, housekeeping, exercise, leisure and worship so that when these freedoms are impeded we begin to reflect upon how very much we have taken them for granted. Of course we hear reports of some people ignoring the clear and prudent instructions given by HM Government that only essential workers and essential journeys are a legitimate reason for leaving home. Those who ignore the injunction are of course the product of their age... In recent years, particularly in the aggressively atheistic-secular media and entertainment industries, those who identify as a "stay at home mum", "home schooling" or being a "family man" are portrayed as being oppressed, backword, abused and abusing, repressed: hiding some smouldering Freudian scar. The concerted rejection of the Catholic doctrine of the family as the model of domestic society and the most fundamental unit of civic society has become this party's final solution. Their purpose is to replace the family with a pseudo-creed that asserts and would legislate to escalate un-fettered self-realisation through gratifying oneself, without any thought for its consequences, not only for one's immortal soul or the scandal it causes, but equally for the consequences such hedonism has upon on our country and the planet. The only alternative to this present death-march for human society is the rediscovery of the Catholic doctrine of the family, the Gospel reveals how in this basic unit of human society with its propensity for sustainability, mutual sexual co- responsibility, human formation in virtue, dignity in work, a compassionate society in micro and life skill education are best nurtured and moderated within the Church's understanding of the family so as to contribute to the country and the planet. The displacement by the West of the Catholic doctrine of the family has, and will continue to have grave consequences for everyone as the quickening pace for self-gratification only accelerates, while the assuaging of the hunger that seeks to consume new food sources and remove barriers or restraints upon its own free access to greater consumption goes un-challenged. The world's resources are finite, we are part of creation, not its Creator. We must be responsible. The atheist-secularist assertion that one can only be truly happy by being a consumer is the new "rule of life". The acceptance of this new vision of a DIY Promised Land transcends the old political divide of Left and Right: all British political parties have adopted the broadest possible acceptance of the agenda that there is nothing inherent or of the natural law to be found in the Catholic doctrine of the family. Political parties that assert concern for the planet, at the same time make no defence of the family as the natural habit for the nurturing of humanity. Ecology doesn't extent to humanity, because there is a broad consensus among atheistic secularists that humanity can only be controlled in the rejection of the Catholic doctrine of the family by greater and greater consumption. This cult of seeking self-gratification tolerates industry's present course of manufacturing goods with designed obsolescence, a limited life, as it reflects the atheistic-secular world view that humanity itself must necessarily always chase after the new as it needs to consume to be fulfilled. In this darkened world view Wisdom, fortitude, understanding, right judgement and awe are discarded as obsolete. The media and entertainment industries present people as objectified images for their own and other's personal gratification. Lifestyle choices, designer lives, airbrushed and sterile for appeasement, which we are told is the norm is becoming the only absolute truth. The same media and entertainment industries that have convinced many that the greatest threat to the planet is questioning recycling plastic bottles and replacing rain forest with soya production, are the very same luminaries that bank roll the insatiable greed destroying our rain forests, building on green belt fields, poisoning marine life. It is the self-same greed that asserts that some lives have much less dignity, value, or place in the world than others. There is much less talk in public discourse of listening and empowering the developing world, than creating my own world. That some lives don't matter, that the "me too" media campaign is only for the elite and not the sweat shop worker, the trafficked people, the homeless, those holding down various jobs just to make ends meet; that my own personal agenda and the assertion of a univocal right to choose regardless of the human costs are accepted as to challenge them, would be to question the entire edifice of the atheistic-secular narrative. All of us I am sure are hoping and praying for the end of the spread of the virus and the necessary isolation that we endure at present. But think of it in another way. In fact, in the present moment, we have never been more free to make choices as to what we teach our children, what they read, what they watch on the TV., the anecdotes we share of our own childhoods, where we walk with them, the songs and films we watch, even if we only walk in the local park or street it is a time you would not normally have with them. In the present moment, the family is revealed as the most fundamental unit of our society, the bedrock. Civil society has intruded into the legitimate autonomy of parents. It has intruded into the choices parents make over their own children, to raise according to the Gospel. In these days we have all joined, though reluctantly at first the world of the stay at home mum, the home schooling family, the family man. We may never have the opportunity again to spend so much quality time with our family. There can be no excuse that we are too busy with other matters. We are free for the moment to live family life. Let us all do so while we can! Please remember them when praying the rosary; in personal prayer: Billy Page, Alison, Kit Lewis, Sheila Donovan, Eileen, Phoebe Paul, Ruth Pinder, Audrey Bodenham, Dennis Caine, Christian Babu, Paul Burns, David Burns, Julie Cale, Irene Casey, Ethan Chichester, Phyllis Clarke, John Cowley, Justin Domenico, Alun Edwards, Elle Fine, Mary Healy, Nell Horan, James Hogg, Barbara Hurley, Don & Dorothy James, Anthony Jeremy, Jennifer King, Colin, Shirley & Michael Kingston, Alexandra Micallef, Betty Millar, Michael McCauliffe, Betty Murphy, Edna Murray, Beatrice Rajanayagam, Fay Simpson, Beatrice O'Brien, Iris Murphy, Elizabeth Sitole, Shelagh O’Donaghue, Gareth & Ethan Woodberry, Pat Xuereb. The Fathers and Brothers pray for these intentions every morning.

LENT '2020 Icons of the Passion of Our Lord: Stations of the Cross Meditation on Icons of Our Lord’s from St Alban on the Moors Passion by a Brother of the Little Oratory

First Station: Jesus is Condemned to Death by Pontius Pilate. (Photo: St. Alban's Stations of the Cross) Live streamed The Entry into Jerusalem from St Alban's Church, Splott The Orthodox have a wonderful way of at Friday 7pm. expressing earthy human passions and

even humour in their icons. Such is the Palm Sunday activity: case with icon of the Lord’s Entry into Take the children into the garden to collect enough Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Features of branches for everyone at home or make a palm branch out of some paper. Your child's note here are: Jesus again dressed in the imaginations will supply the rest of the scene! red and blue robes – not the white robeson a foul on earth, O Christ God, accept the showing his Divine glory, which we see praise of angels and the songs of children who in the Transfiguration and Resurrection sing: Blessed is he who comes in the name of icons. He is riding side-saddle the white the Lord! Hosanna in the highest! colt of peace, not the war horse. 1. Jesus is alone, totally isolated. The disciples have backed off, slowed down. VIGIL LAMPS There are even whispers of concern. Even bold St Peter holds back. Jesus is looking back at them and pointing them towards Jerusalem, but there are not sure. They are scared. . 2. The city of Jerusalem looks imposing and severe. Even the mountains and the fig tree appear fearful and are shown backing away from Jerusalem – it is as if the created order is anticipating an awesome cosmic event. 3. The great and good of the city have come to meet the Messiah. Look at them – stiff and starchy, in their rich, finest clothes. Expectant of a great visitor, ready to be impressed and to impress. They like to be seen with the right people. Even the act Vigil Lamp before Chapel of Our Lady of Pity: of waving a welcoming palm branch St Alban on the Moors, Splott becomes rigid and lacking in passion. 4. Then there’s the little people – that’s you Most Blessed Sacrament: and me. Ignored by the great and the David & Clare Jackson good getting involved in welcoming Our Lord: climbing a tree; laying a robe before Sacred Heart altar: M. Baker, Int Our Lord’s path; and even climbing on shoulders to get a view. So there is Our Lady's altar: something profoundly disturbing here. Monica Berryman () Amongst the activity and business of the scene Jesus is already alone and isolated Chapel of Our Lady of Pity: in his mission. Teresa & John Walsh 5. As it says in the Palm Sunday Kontakion: Sitting on Thy throne in heaven, and carried ~+~ An Act of Spiritual Communion PARISH FINANCE MATTERS: LAST SUNDAY'S (22.03.20) Those who are unable communicate GIVING IN THE COLLECTION sacramentally are invited to make this act of Gift Aid £335.00 Spiritual Communion, inviting Our Lord to bestow His grace within their hearts, each Loose donations £121.00 time to call to mind that they are presently Direct Debit £65.00 unable to visit the church; attend Mass or receive Holy Communion. An Individual Donation to the Restoration Fund £400.00

O my Jesus, I believe that Thou art in the St David's Day cards for Restoration Fund £ 25.00 Blessed Sacrament. I love Thee above all Total £946.00 things, And I long for Thee in my soul. Since I cannot now receive Thee Thank you most sincerely to parishioners sacramentally, I ask Thee to come at least who posted or dropped their envelopes or collection through the letter box. spiritually into my heart. As though Thou Fr Sebastian M hast already come, I embrace Thee and unite myself entirely to Thee; Never permit me to be separated VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION from Thee. Amen. CONCERNING THE HOSPITALS IN CARDIFF ANF THE VALE St. Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)

LIFE AT THE The hospitals within Cardiff and Vale ORATORY University Health Board have now issued very restrictive rules on visiting inpatients. You will be very The basic rule is that there is No pleased to know that visiting permitted. we are all doing well, However, visiting is currently permitted thank God, and that (at the discretion of the ward manager) the cooking, for patients who are not infected with gardening, librarian, COVID-19 but limited to: spring cleaning and · one parent or guardian for paediatric inpatients and neonates. home economics skills · people receiving end of life care, are improving by the with permission to visit secured in day! advance from the ward manager and if agreed, this should be one visitor at a time "I would like to thank the gentleman who for a specified amount of time. lent me his Dictionary to look for the · women in labour should be meaning of the word plethora... permitted a birthing partner [from their household]. For those receiving end of life It means a lot" care, permission to visit must be secured,

in advance, from the ward manager and if agreed, this should be one visitor at a time for a specified amount of time. Full PPE ST ALBAN'S PARISH must also be worn. Visitors, family and EASTER - WHITSUN FETE friends of infected patients are encouraged to consider other ways of maintaining ON A SATURDAY COMING contact with their relatives, such as by phone, FaceTime or Skype. SOON! On call Catholic chaplains have been Can we all please still keep up our passed for wearing respirators in order to sewing, knitting, crochet, painting, visit COVID-19 infected patients. The potting seeds, etc., as now is the time to Catholic on-call system will continue to start making things... and keep yourself function: Fr Peter Davies pre-occupied! on peter.davies4@.nhs.uk 02920

716710. Fr David Prichard on [email protected] 02921 843230.

EASTER ~ WHITSUN HAMPER RAFFLE Whilst the original vintage bottle of St St. Emilion 2012 from the Oratory cellar and the chocolates will need to be consumed on the advice of "Mr. Elf and Safety" another vintage bottle of St Emilion will be brought up and a delicious Easter Egg will adorn an Easter ~ WhitSun Hamper (original tickets still included in this

Raffle). The hamper will also include free range eggs from the Oratory's own FIRST HOLY COMMUNION 2020 chickens at Newman Hall. £1 a strip (all Would all parents and grandparents monies go to the Church Restoration please assist their children in preparing Fund). Draw will take place at a Mad for their First Holy Communion. They Hatters Tea Party to be arranged! have the catechetical materials with them, so please do give it some time each St Teilo, pray for Wales day. St Winifride, pray for Wales St Richard Gwyn, pray for Wales For Your Child / Grandchild St John Jones, pray for Wales This is a wonderful children's cartoon of St John Roberts, pray for Wales the Stations of the Cross. It is very well St Philip Evans, pray for Wales produced and will be both catechetical St John Lloyd, pray for Wales and absorbing for our children. St David Lewis, pray for Wales https://www.youtube.com/watch?v Bl Edward Powell, pray for Wales =psX9ZXYHPOs Bl Richard Flower, pray for Wales Bl Humphry Prichard, pray for Litany of the Saints of Wales Wales \ Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy Bl William Davies, pray for Wales Christ have mercy, Christ have mercy Bl Philip Powel, pray for Wales Lord have mercy, Lord have mercy

Christ hear Wales, Christ hear us Lamb of God, who takes away Christ graciously hear Wales, Christ the sins of the world, Spare us, O graciously hear us Lord God the Father of heaven, have mercy on Lamb of God, who takes away us the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Lamb of God, who takes away have mercy on us the sins of the world, Have mercy Holy Trinity, One God, have mercy of us on us

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for Pray for us, holy saints and martyrs of Wales Wales, That we may be made worthy of the Our Lady of Penrhys, pray for Wales promises of Christ.

Our Lady Seat of Wisdom, pray for Wales Let us pray. St David, pray for Wales We pray, O Lord, that we who celebrate St Non, pray for Wales the glory of the Saints of Wales may be SS Alban, Julius & Aaron, pray for Wales enriched with your abundant grace, just St Asaph, pray for Wales as you have fostered the life of your St Beuno, pray for Wales Church by such examples of holiness, St Deiniol, pray for Wales worship and mutual charity. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who St Dyfrig, pray for Wales loves and reigns with you in the unity of St Euddogwy, pray for Wales the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and St Germanus of Auxerre, pray for Wales ever. Amen. St Illtyd, pray for Wales

THE FESTIVAL OF Baptisms ST ALBAN 20~28 June "If you have a child who has not as yet On Tuesday a working been Baptised, please do speak to one of party gathered to discuss the Fathers to arrange the day. The the proposed week-long St Oratory, the Parish and our School will all Alban's Festival to support you in passing on the Faith to coincide with the arrival of the relic of your child. Baptisms can be celebrated on our patron saint, St. Alban, First Martyr a day of the week, whether morning or of Britain. The meeting was very evening to suit your work pattern. In productive and very shortly the full former days when Sunday was always a schedule of events will be published. day of rest and we had greater certainty The Festival is a celebration of the Saint's about our week, Sunday was the normal life and martyrdom and will also day, but now with so many changes in celebrate the distinguished history of secular society we must accommodate the people of the Parish and its parents and grandparents in raising their contribution to the cultural and spiritual children as Catholic." life of the City. Let us pray that life will ~+~ have returned to normal by then. THE SAINT ALBAN'S PARISH LIVING HISTORY PROJECT St Alban's Parish "As we are all advised to curtail large icon of Our Lady of gatherings, perhaps now is a very good time to go through the family photographs Perpetual Help has newspaper cuttings, scrap books, etc., and been enthroned above also jot down, one's own recollections of the High Altar and a your family's part in the establishment of vigil lamp burns growth of St Alban's Parish." before it. A History of St Alban's Band The Memorare 1896 ~1996 Remember, O most This history of St Alban’s Band was written gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it by Mr Tom Kelly, a band member for over 50 known that anyone who fled to thy years. His tireless effort to put this collection protection, implored thy help, or sought of facts and memories together is a very thine intercession was left unaided. welcome record. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto The Story commences with a brief thee, O Virgin of virgins, my mother; to summary of the bands’ formative years. thee do I come, before thee I stand, sinful 1896 Blast furnace men from the and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word Dowlais Iron Works form a Drum and Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in Fife Band. thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen. 1897 Second hand instruments are Their exists two photographs taken at this brought by parishioners subscriptions time; in the foreground proudly and a Brass Band is formed under the displayed is the winners cup. Photograph tutorship of Mr. Merry a parishioner of No 1 depicts the entire band personnel St. Peter’s R.C. Church. and is to be found in a magazine of the 1910 First known photograph is taken. period ‘The Musical Progress and Mail’ It is in John Williams keeping. November 1930. Gleaned from the ‘Write 1913 Bill Bush a clarinet player Up’ are the following notes: introduces woodwind players and the “The Band has successfully broadcast Band develops into a Military Band from the Cardiff station on several consisting of Reed, Brass and Percussion occasions.” it soon becomes established under the “A new uniform of military pattern has direction of Mr. Jerimiah Scanlon. enhanced the appearance of the Band” 1919 The Band is playing to the Soccer In photograph No 2 seated in the front fans at Ninian Park, and this is the year, row alongside Tom Ryan are two of the being rugby enthusiasts, deserts the Clergy. They would no doubt be the soccer scene to play at the Cardiff Arms Parish Priest Fr. McAvery who Park, turning out for both the first team shepherded the flock from 1927 to 1935, and the ‘Rags’ matches. and Archbishop Mostyn. This photo can As with the 1st. Great World War years be found in the St. Alban’s Parish (1914/1918) most of the ‘Twenties’ are Centenary book; the original being in the lost in the midst of time albeit two hands of band member John Bodenham. significant events are recorded as At this point it is well to record the follows; Bandmasters who succeeded Mr. Scanlon, 1926 John F Williams, who in the their time of arrival is not known; they goodness of time becomes the Band’s were Mr. Howe, Mr. Tom Ryan and his longest serving Bandmaster, joins the brother Dan. Dan was followed by Mr. Band and starts a musical career on the John F. Williams in 1949. Clarinet. 1939 Band members belonging to the Territorial Army Bands are caught up in 1928 The band during this period of its the Second World War, albeit the Band history is entering Band Contests and in plays on, and is recognised as the Band of May of this year at Fairford in the 22nd. Battalion Home Guard unit of Gloucester, under its conductor Tom Guest Keen Iron Works with Bill Bush as Ryan they win their section. In addition its Bandmaster. In issue No. 20 of the Dan Ryan (Cornet); Robert Molcher Stewart Williams “Cardiff Yesterday” (Euphonium); and John Lee (Trombone) there is a photograph (Circa 1942) of the win medals in their particular sections. Band on parade outside the Cardiff City Hall. Apart from Bill other members to be seen are Jack Lynch and Dan O’Brien; a news to us that Declan had died at tender very young Robert Molcher with Bob (his age, and at the pinnacle of an illustrious father) and John Williams. A short time professional music career. after this photo was taken a very, very Whilst on the subject of young amateur young John Williams (son of John) was musicians progressing into the playing in this Band. It is also recorded professional field it is opportune to place that around this time (Ref. Leo Shanahan, on the record the achievements of other the current Band chairman) that a young musicians who began their musical John was already a playing member of St. careers in St. Alban’s Band room around Albans Band prior to the setting up of the this time. Frank Kelleher (Clarinet) ‘Boys Band’. National Service Irish Guards rose to 1944 John Williams and Bill Bush become Head of department in the Welsh founded a Boys Band tutoring the lads College of Music and Drama. Robert on Tuesday evenings. The Youngsters Molcher (French Horn) served with ‘The mainly from the schools of St. Albans Royals’; he then pursued an orchestral and St. Illtyds rapidly become a very career finishing with the Welsh National good music ensemble and in quick time Opera Orchestra and on retirement found themselves under the lights of returned to the Band playing trombone. street lamps entertaining citizens of Two of the Class of 44/45 did their Splottlands with Christmas Carols. Of national service with the Royal Airforce. the many, many lads of the period Leo John Bodenham on his clarinet along with Shanahan, John Bodenham, John Foley, John Foley blowing his trumpet played Tony Regan and Graham Ayres are still within a number of R.A.F bands. Leo stalwart Band members in this year of Shanahan served with the Royal 1996. Among the ‘Class of 44/45’, and Engineers and Tony Regan served as an uniquely remembered, was a young engineering officer at sea. Declan Affley. Declan is recalled as an A little later on the Bandmaster’s son, accident prone awkward lad. Not so John Williams (French Horn), became the awkward in the land to which he singular Band member to become a emigrated, for out in Australia he playing in the National Youth Orchestra became a renowned and highly of Wales and much later Peter Heron respected personality in the world of (Clarinet) became a professional music. He became a much loved woodwind player on the London scene broadcaster of and was very which began at St. Martin in the fields, he much involved in the music of the film is still there in the capital city making his ‘Ned Kelly’ starring Mick Jagger. A little mark not only as a woodwind player while after this notable achievement much in demand but also as an John Williams received a letter along accomplished pianist and composer. with a Press cutting which brought the Graham Ayres, on completing his National Service with the R.A.F, became with St. Alban’s Band, by invitation, at a a Band member and much later formed Taff swim event which took place at and led an excellent Dance Band that for Roath Park Lake. With St. Peter’s Band a good many years set the feet of many unable to reform he joined St. Alban’s. a pair of pseudo Ginger Rogers and Fred Later on another member of St. Peter’s Astaire tripping the light fantastic Jim Donnelly (Clarinet) along with his around the ballroom floor of Cardiff brother Con (French Horn) came to City Hall. follow in Tom’s footsteps. Ray Eedy (Bass It would be remiss of the writer not to Trombone), who with the passage of time recall a young clarinet student of the came to be Band Chairman, was another 44/45 class. A notorious wag, who could St. Peter’s bandsman who turned to the and did disturb the normally placid band sometime during the period of nature of his tutors John Williams and hostilities and what a stalwart member he Bill Bush, with his inane questioning of was. Music theory displayed upon a 1947 In this year the Band was engaged blackboard. His name Brinley Francis. to play to the Boxing aficionados massed He left to pursue an army career and in Ninian Park for a programme which was not seen again, at least by the writer included a World title fight between until he made an appearance at the Ronnie James of Swansea and the ‘Arms Park’ in the ‘Eighties’ splendidly American Ike Williams, he being the attired in army uniform; insignia of rank pugilist of the “Bolo Punch” fame. This upon his epaulettes, with red flashing event is recorded as being one of many adorning his collar tabs and caps, there sporting activities in which the Band was the wag himself engaged in participated. It is notable, for aside from conversation reminiscing with his old the popular music that was played, a Band colleagues about the ‘Old Days’, fanfare was sounded to announce the he had risen to the giddy heights of a arrival of the main contenders. For a brief Brigadier in the Intelligence Corps. Due moment in time the four corners of the for retirement he is understood to have ring were occupied by four cornet players, said to Tony Regan that he was looking they were John Williams, Eddie Pitten, forward to selling matches on the streets Len Christopherson and a very young of London; As already said who could John Foley and so it would come to pass possibly omit Brinley, ever the ‘Wag’ that thereafter, each could truly say from St. Alban’s memoirs. without contradiction, “I was in the Ring 1945 Tom Kelly returned from active with a World Champion.” (To be war service in May of this year he had continued) been a member of St. Peter’s Band having been introduced to the clarinet at the age of ten. In 1936 he came to play